After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1344 - 1343: Main Plot Finale (Part 16)

Following a few brief instructions, Xia Chuyi swiftly ended the phone call.

This expediency was a deliberate act, a performance staged for Guo Jiumin's benefit.

Her swift disconnection was designed to prevent the other party from pinpointing her location.

Impressed by Xia Chuyi's apparent astuteness, Guo Jiumin felt a surge of satisfaction, believing she was genuinely inclined to cooperate.

"Now, Mr. Guo, you will permit me to see Xia Lan, won't you?" Xia Chuyi inquired placidly.

"Naturally," Guo Jiumin responded with a smile.

With a few gestures, Guo Jiumin's subordinates escorted Xia Lan into the room.

To be perfectly candid, the instant Xia Chuyi laid eyes on Xia Lan, she was taken aback by her altered state.

"You..." Xia Chuyi gazed at Xia Lan, who was adorned in flashy attire yet wore a distinctly somber expression, with a flicker of bewilderment.

Conversely, Xia Lan also started upon seeing Xia Chuyi, and a subtle wave of displeasure quickly crossed her features.

Yet, the discontent was fleeting as Xia Lan suppressed her feelings and turned to Guo Jiumin with a deferential and fawning manner, "Mr. Guo, why have you brought me here? Is there something you wished to convey to me?"

"Nothing significant, merely that Young Madam Huo desired your presence," Guo Jiumin replied coolly to Xia Chuyi.

This turn of events diverged from Xia Chuyi's expectations.

Perhaps it was merely her perception, but Xia Chuyi sensed a lack of warmth in Guo Jiumin's tone when addressing Xia Lan.

Xia Chuyi had initially presumed that Xia Lan, under Guo Jiumin's protection, would be living a life of opulent ease.

Little did she know that Xia Lan appeared to be faring less than optimally.

After a moment of reflection, Xia Chuyi addressed Guo Jiumin, "Mr. Guo, would it be possible for me to speak with Xia Lan in private?"

Guo Jiumin's brow furrowed slightly at this request, indicating a degree of hesitation.

"Rest assured, Mr. Guo, I simply wish to pose a few inquiries to her," Xia Chuyi's smile graced her lips as she added, "After all, as you are aware, we share certain 'similar' secrets."

Xia Chuyi intentionally underscored this point.

Hearing Xia Chuyi's explanation and perceiving her seemingly earnest demeanor, Guo Jiumin's knitted brows finally unfurled, and he smiled, "Certainly, converse amongst yourselves. I shall attend to Young Madam Huo's sister. I trust..."

"...that the outcome of your discussion will meet my expectations," Guo Jiumin concluded earnestly.

"Indeed," Xia Chuyi affirmed with a serene nod to Guo Jiumin.

With a look of approval, Guo Jiumin cast a final glance at her before departing the study.

Once Guo Jiumin exited, the study became the sole domain of Xia Chuyi and Xia Lan.

The compliant facade Xia Lan had maintained vanished the instant Guo Jiumin's presence was removed.

"Xia Chuyi, you too have experienced rebirth, haven't you?" Xia Lan preempted any questions, her voice laced with confrontation.

"Rebirth?" Xia Chuyi arched an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "I confess I do not comprehend your meaning."

Xia Lan scoffed, "Hmph, cease this charade! If you had not undergone a rebirth, how could you possibly be so changed from our previous existence?"

"Furthermore, you pilfered two of our most significant investments!" Xia Lan exclaimed in anger. "Had this not transpired, how could Mr. Guo have ceased placing his trust in me?"

"It is all because of you, Xia Chuyi; you are quite literally the bane of my destined path!"

"It's an irreconcilable conflict – either you perish, or I perish!"

Maintaining her composure, Xia Chuyi responded, "Xia Lan, it appears the tribulations of the past have yet to instill any remorse within you..."